Jacques Marie Mage, the luxury eyewear brand based in Los Angeles, has recently opened its flagship store in Omotesando, Tokyo. The store is housed in a contemporary three-story building, boasting an interior lavishly designed by Shinichiro Ogata, the founder of the Tokyo and Paris-based design house, Simplicity.
Blending Tradition and Modernity
The new store exhibits a unique balance of Japanese traditional aesthetics and Western contemporary elements. As customers step into the store, they are greeted by a mini corridor designed with sophisticated wall-embedded displays and cabinets. The walls, floors, and ceilings are constructed entirely from Hinoki wood, a choice material in Japanese architecture that lends a touch of authenticity to the store’s overall ambience.
The store’s backdrop is an impressive piece of artwork by renowned calligrapher Daichiro Shinjo, providing a bold yet contemporary touch to the space.
An Upstairs Lounge and Consultation Room
The upper floor of the store is thoughtfully designed as a lounge-cum-consultation room. The space, fashioned out of the same Hinoki wood as the entrance, is filled with a selection of vintage furniture and unique Japanese decorative items. Visitors will find a six-panel folding screen from the late Edo period and a variety of Noh masks, a traditional form of Japanese theater.
In addition to housing a range of eyewear, this floor also showcases an array of jewelry pieces. Customers can browse the selection and even place orders for custom pieces to suit their personal tastes.
Basement Bar with Cultural Artifacts
Descending to the store’s basement, customers will encounter a beautifully landscaped patio and a well-stocked bar. Against this backdrop, patrons can view a range of 17th-century European optical tools, Kokeshi dolls, and a larger-scale calligraphy piece by Shinjo, adding an artistic and historical dimension to their shopping experience.
Questions & Answers
Who is responsible for the store’s unique design?
The store’s interior was designed by Shinichiro Ogata, the founder of Simplicity, a design house based in Tokyo and Paris.
What are some distinct features of the store?
The store exhibits a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern Western elements. It features an upper floor lounge-cum-consultation room and a basement bar, both decorated with vintage and traditional Japanese items, as well as a mini corridor made entirely of Hinoki wood.
What products does the store offer, besides eyewear?
In addition to eyewear, the store also showcases a selection of jewelry pieces which can be customized according to the customer’s preference.
AloJapan.com